From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered investigation into the distribution of palliatives with a view to bringing to book culprits who diverted food items.
Diri speaking on the several complaints that trailed the palliatives distribution during the state’s executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, explained that the state government had procured more food items in addition to the five trucks of rice allotted to each state by the federal government as part of the measures to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy on people of the state.
According to him each ward was allocated at least 150 bags of rice apart from maize to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
Diri condemned in strong terms the action of those who reportedly diverted palliatives entrusted to them for distribution in the 105 wards across the state.
Accordingly he directed the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, Coordinator of the state Community Safety Corps, Brig-General Eric Angaye (retd) and the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Peter Akpe, to work with relevant bodies to identify those culpable.
His words: “Concerning the palliatives that I directed should be shared, I received reports that some greedy politicians converted some of them to their use.
“I have asked for an immediate investigation and anyone found wanting will face the wrath of the law, particularly those that are appointees. You were asked to share 150 bags of rice, you went with 80 or 100 bags to your people in the wards and villages. You cheat on your people.
“The SSG, Coordinator of the Community Safety Corps and the Chief of Staff should investigate through BYSEMA (Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency) those who were in position to distribute the palliatives to stakeholders in the wards and local government areas.
“Confirm how many bags got to each ward and how they were distributed. Not only rice, we also distributed maize. I heard that some were sold.
“I want to have that report. Work through all the commissioners, members of the House of Assembly and leaders. All of those involved will be brought to book.
He seized the opportunity to call on the opposition in the state to concede defeat, noting that he won legitimately.
Diri equally warned troublemakers to toe the path of peace, saying his administration would not condone acts of terrorism and intimidation in the state.
He said: “Our victory across all the wards is through legitimate votes. We never indulged in electoral fraud that others perpetrated. If they say they are going to court, they are free. We will emphatically state our victory in court.
“I advise them to allow the sleeping dog to lie. It is all over. They know what they did. If they can question what happened in my village, we will open the books for them. Let them open what happened in their villages as well.
“This is our state. We have come of age. You cannot terrorise anybody in this state. Non-state actors will not be allowed to intimidate and terrorise state actors.